The Samoa Medical Association (S.M.A.) opened their  75 years anniversary celebration with a special service at the Methodist Church in Matafele on Sunday. 

In memory of the doctors and medical practitioners who had passed on, the service was inclusive of a church hymn that was composed by the late Aumua Dr Karene Solomona in 1997 for the association and was sung by the doctors.  

Songs were sung by the Matafele Methodist Church choir and the prayer was led by Reverend Mariota Siaea. The Old Testament reading was done by Namulauulu Dr.Nuualofa Tuuau Potoi and the New Testament by Papalii Dr.Sam Petaia. 

The  President Gogosinaepeleivaai Dr. Atropa Belladonna Potoi told the Samoa Observer on Sunday that they are grateful to start the week-long celebration of their 75 years anniversary. 

"So today marked the beginning of our S.M.A. 75th Anniversary annual general meeting activities," Gogosinaepeleivaai said. 

"We are very grateful that we were able to start the week of our 75th Anniversary celebration with a thanks-giving service that was led by the General Secretary of the Samoa Methodist Church Reverend Dr.Eteuati Sili Leuo Tuioti with a very moving sermon.

"Encouraging us to work to the best of our ability in our service to others and to do this with a cheerful heart and smile knowing that we need not worry about anything as we serve a great and just God.

"It is very humbling and we continue to strive for excellence in our medical service to the people of Samoa and hope to have many more years for the association to develop in more ways to have a positive impact on the overall health of the Samoan people. 

"Our S.M.A. executive are very happy to have organised the events for this week with tremendous help from so many donor agencies such as World Health Organisation, Pacific Community, Ministry of Health, SIFA as well as our own S.M.A. members." 

The activities of the week for the S.M.A. include: 

• Sunday 31st July, 2022 : Thanksgiving Service.

• Monday 1st August, 2022 : Mental Health Awareness walk (all will wear green for Mental Health awareness) meet in front of Paddles, Matautu and walk from 5–6 pm ending up at the waterfront behind the Government building. 

• Wednesday 3rd August, 2022: Lava Hotel Combat Antimicrobial Resistance Trivia night.

• Thursday 4th August 2022: Annual Scientific Meeting Theme: "Combat Antimicrobial Resistance" Taumeasina Island Resort.

• Friday 5th August, 2022: SMA Annual General Meeting, Taumeasina Island Resort. 

• Saturday 6th August 2022: Annual Scientific Meeting Day 2 Theme : "Combat Antimicrobial Resistance" Taumeasina Island Resort.

• SMA Diamonds are Forever Ball.